Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando

“The author’s tribute to one of history’s most important inventors is complemented by digital illustrations, which separate well-paced text and add strong visual appeal to this exceptional biography picture book. VERDICT: An inspiring story of persistence and an ideal purchase for any collection.”

“…A paean to the necessity of failure, the beauty of persistence, and the pleasure that comes after messing up 99 times only to get it right on the 100th… Magic Ramen is the kind of book that can bridge that gap between kids that like fact and kids that like fiction… This is the book that can convince a child that real life is just as full of kooky stories as anything you could make up. So here’s to the little bio unafraid to try something new. And, unlike Momofuku Ando, it gets it right on the very first try.”

“This offering goes down easily, whether used to promote diversity, encourage experimentation and perseverance, or spice up storytime.”

“With an aesthetic that’s straight out of a Hayao Miyazaki animated film, Urbanowicz’s illustrations pair deliciously with Wang’s concise, conversational text. …Eaters of all ages will enjoy learning about the history of this popular food gone global.”

“Persistence is at the heart of this success story as Ando presses on despite numerous setbacks. And, starry-eyed as it may sound, the goal of peace through food seems important — and possible — by the story’s end.”